Hi - I’m asthmatic and it’s always been mild for the most part (managed by salamol & clenil for my reliever and preventer). Whenever I get any form of respiratory illness it goes straight to my chest and I need steroids and antibiotics and have asthma exacerbations not really attacks.
Since catching covid in 2022 I’ve started having asthma attacks whenever I get a chest infection which I’ve informed my GP of. And my preventer was upped to 200mg 2 puffs twice a day from 100mg.
I’ve recently had a chest infection and ans a result was seen at the out of hours appointment on 1st April for an asthma exacerbation & mild attack and for chest infection.
I’ve completed a course of doxycycline & 2 courses of prednisolone but my chest is still really noisy when I’m breathing crackly sounds & non productive cough. I’ve been experiencing chest tightness & intense rib pain and back pain which doesn’t ease with inhaler. I’ve had multiple doctors appointments & a chest X-ray which is clear. I’m at a loss what this could be and I’m getting no where with my doctors but I can’t cope like this anymore sleep is minimal & I’m fed up as I have a little girl and struggling to be as active with her.
I’m in the UK so I pretty much have to go through my GP/ Asthma nurse or A&E. I can’t see a pulmonologist or respiratory specialist unless referred and we don’t get to have nebs at home (well most people don’t).. so any advice would be super helpful.
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ellannabanana99
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Yr certainly having a tough time. Has dr/nurse listened to Yr chest?have u tried increasing salamol, when struggling.if Yr getting nowhere,perhaps go a+e
Hi yes doctor has listened to it at every appointment- originally had wheeze on one side with crackles , which spread to wheeze across full chest but no more crackles prior to second dose of prednisolone. After second dose of prednisolone crackles are back and prominent he said but wheeze is no longer present he said (sounds wheezy to me but I guess they know how to differentiate) with pleuritic breathe sounds but all clear on X-ray.
Also yes been taking salamol 2 puffs around 4 times a day, been told this is too much and been trying to decrease to twice a day but struggling with that .
Will be trying a&e if I have another night like last night as really struggling.
My gut reaction is that if your doctors cannot help you, then need to refer you to someone who can.As a first step, ring the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800, office hours, they will help you with suggestions re possible treatment options and how to approach the GP.
I am not sure if you already are, but make sure you have a really good diary of all your symptoms and when you are using your reliever + peak flow measurements, and if you wake at night with symptoms. It really helps deal with medical professionals. Also keeping a diary for me made me much more aware of when things were going downhill so I was better able to react.
If you are using your reliever more than 3 times a week your asthma is not controlled. (unless for exercise) As per Homely, do contact the helpline they are super helpful in giving advice in how to deal with doctors.
I hope you feel better soon.
R
P.S you can buy a peak flow meter from Amazon, or your doctor might prescribe one. Sometimes they even give them to you if you ask.
I’ve recently started a more detailed diary as i was noticing at my doctors apps I was unable to remember certain stuff due to it going on for a couple weeks, being drained from being poorly & being a disorganised mama so I’ll definitely keep that up. I lost my peak flow moving house so have only been getting measurements at my doctors apps which have been each week so I’ll make sure I get one either on prescription. With my asthma being mild and under control most of my life I’ve never thought how important that stuff is until recently I also probably wait longer than neccessary as I’m like “oh it’s not that bad” but if I did measurements and kept track I’d see me starting to go downhill and not wait so it’s all super helpful Thankyou!
Im using my reliever around 3 times a day at this point so it’s not under control & I’ll be in touch with the helpline as I do struggle to advocate for myself with doctors etc.
Thanks a lot, I’ll pop an update comment on to you if I get anywhere tomorrow.
A few things come to mind. If it's anything like the chest infections that have been doing the rounds this winter then it may take some shifting so don't worry about keeping going back to the doctor's if you're not right. Something more simple is that if you've been coughing a lot and had inflammation then this can take a while to heal. I find a hot water bottle and rest best. I know it's not easy with children but rest really is key and not pushing your body too hard.I'm not sure how old your little one is but could the change in hormones be contributing to the asthma flares?
Sounds like it may well be worth a chat to the asthma nurses.
I first got ill with an exacerbation/infection in Nov and it's still hanging around (11 courses of steroids & 4 antibiotics). I work in frontline health care and we saw a lot of stubborn respiratory illnesses this winter.Btw, I'm having a ct scan today to hopefully see what's going on with my lungs!
A couple of things I'd mention;
*Have you given a sputum test? Might have a nasty bug that needs a certain antibiotic.
*Use a spacer for your reliever - I find it really helpful.
*Request to be referred to a consultant and don't wait until you maybe get even worse. I think you have enough 'proof' that your asthma is not controlled atm.
*Remember you're not alone. It's hard when symptoms continue, especially through the long nights x
That sounds like a mirror image to me ! I am 69 and this years has been punctuated by exacerbations Predisilone and Doxcycline and little or no relief when Before 48 hrs after steroids more or less breathing well? X-rays are generally normal. Blood test does not show heart failure ( I am breathless ). However it did show I am anaemic which points to breathlessness.
I feel drained ! Waiting for referral to respiratory clinic. Still waiting for spirometry? Never smoked but my parents did so technically this was no help ( they did not know that then )
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